I was delighted to meet 40 members of the North Hertfordshire Centre for Voluntary Service in Parliament yesterday. Their trip to Westminster consisted of a tour followed by a question-and-answer session with me in one of the committee rooms.

Their Community Development Manager, Michal Siewniak, has already told me that he has received a number of emails from members of the group saying how much they enjoyed their day, including this: “I was fortunate indeed to join in your well organised trip today… The whole time was so enjoyable. It far exceeded my expectations and I wish to thank you all very much for your care”.

The CVS is launching its 100-day ‘Love Your Neighbourhood’ campaign, which will run locally from this month until September across Hitchin and Royston. It is aimed at making a positive difference within the community, and is gaining support from local charities, community groups, and statutory organisations. Activities will include advice about healthy living, home security, children’s fun days, volunteering opportunities, and more on how to make our neighbourhoods bloom. This is an excellent campaign, and I am happy to lend my support to it.